Video and Photography

Menu

Cinevate Duzi – Lightweight Portable Video Slider Overview

One way to make your videos a little more interesting is to simply move the camera. Although that sounds easy, performing smooth camera movements handheld can be very tricky. While there are many tools available to do this, nothing is more simple, straightforward, or as easy to operate than a Video Slider. Here's a look at the new 'Duzi', which is the latest, most affordable, and lightest video slider coming out of the Cinevate product line.

On the surface, the Cinevate Duzi is simple, but that's primarily what we want. Something easy to setup, easy to move around, and doesn't get in the way when it's time to shoot. The Duzi is crafted from CNC machined aluminum and stainless steel, with the exception of the solid 19mm Carbon Rods.

The carbon rods not only shed weight, but offer near silent operation when tracking with 8 precision roller bearings. These carbon rods never need to be oiled, and the open design makes it easy to clean and wipe down no matter what conditions you take the Duzi into. Duzi's end blocks offer 1/4-20 threaded holes and 5/8 inch thru holes to support dual stands. A middle cheese plate below the Duzi allows tripod mounting. For additional information, check out the Cinevate Duzi product page:http://www.cinevate.com/store2/camera-movement/camera-sliders/duzi-camera-slider.html

I think I will sell my Rhino slider which is about the same size except there is no plate under to attach quickly to a tripod. I mentioned this to them but they don't seem to care unlike Cinevate who is a well established company.

@Christian - Hmm, that can be subjective. The Edelkrone can pack down smaller and fit in a bag. The Cinevate cannot fit in standard airline travel luggage. For my own personal use, I would go with the Cinevate because it is a pretty straightforward slider and very smooth.

She is using the Manfrotto 500 head, which I bought specifically for this slider! I own the Duzi, and would like to add a few things to this review.

The locking mechanism "works" but I improved it by gluing a rubber washer on it to allow it to grip something other than metal on metal. Cinevate will do something like this or further improve the lock in V2.

It's rated for 50lbs, so it'll take any head and camera DSLR-wise. It also has some "drag" adjustment through the wheel fasteners. You can tighten them from the bottom but it's not a real way to control drag quickly or reliably.

This looks like the slider I've been looking for compared to a lot of the most over-engineered and bulky units that I see online. Will this accommodate a Manfrotto HDV 501 type and and a the weight of DSLR camera with a cage and some modest accessories?

@Aron j anderson - This only comes in a 24" version, so if you think this is all you need, it's much smoother and quieter than the Konova. If you need something longer, I know the Konova offers double this length.